The Syrian Women’s Political Movement is following with grave concern the violent tension and violent escalation witnessed in the city of Aleppo over the past two days between factions affiliated with the Interim Government and the SDF forces, centered in the Al-Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods, which have a Kurdish density. This was not the first time that tensions occurred between the two sides, but it is perhaps the most violent in light of the faltering talks taking place between the two parties to implement the agreement of March 10, 2025.

The escalation has so far resulted in the fall of five civilian victims, dozens of wounded and injured, and the displacement of tens of thousands of unarmed civilians, in light of very difficult economic conditions and a bitter cold wave.

We, in the Syrian Women’s Political Movement, and regardless of the claims and accusations exchanged by the two parties about who started breaching the truce and launching the attack, see the following:

• The interest of Syrians lies in finding a political solution based on the negotiation table, and not the military solution that exposes the lives of civilians to the risk of death and displacement.
• Considering the principle of preserving the safety and security of civilians as a state responsibility, binding on all parties.
• Not using civilians as a negotiating card by any party whatsoever, and considering that a crime against humanity.
• Military escalation serves the interests of the intervening countries in Syria, and Syrians have no stake or benefit in it.
• Preserving the unity of Syria, “land and people,” begins with the start of a Syrian-Syrian national dialogue, and not by launching wars and battles in which Syrians serve as fuel.
• Building confidence-building measures has become an urgent need more than ever before, and the first of those measures is stopping and criminalizing hate speech among the various Syrian components.

Based on its vision and basic principles, the Syrian Women’s Political Movement demands the following:

1. Stopping military action immediately between the two parties to the current conflict, “the Government and the SDF,” de-escalation, and resorting to dialogue.
2. Involving all active forces, especially political ones, so that everyone assumes their responsibilities towards their country, and drawing a binding roadmap for all parties in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2254.
3. Real participation of Syrian female politicians, who have a real interest in building stability and sustainable peace.
4. Stopping the bloodshed and forced displacement of civilians immediately, and ensuring a safe return for those who have left so far.

Long live a free, democratic, pluralistic Syria
Long live the Syrian people

The General Secretariat of the Syrian Women’s Political Movement
Thursday, January 8, 2026